Composting topic of February drought-related lawn, garden program in Austin

‘Dealing with Drought Conditions’ series to present five monthly programs from February to June

AUSTIN – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Travis County and Travis County Master Gardeners will present a series of five monthly drought-related programs in Austin, beginning with a program on composting to be held Feb. 6, said coordinators.

Composting will be the topic of the Feb. 6 drought-related program presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Travis County Master Gardeners. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

“Drought is a persistent issue in Central Texas and throughout the state,” said Daphne Richards, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture, Travis County. “These programs, which will be monthly from February through June, are intended to help people make gardening and landscaping choices that will allow for greater drought tolerance and lower water use, as well as using fewer chemicals that might enter the water table.”

Richards said the first of these Dealing with Drought Conditions programs will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 6 at the AgriLife Extension office in southeast Austin, located at 1600-B Smith Road.

“This program will address the topic of composting for building and maintaining healthy soils,” she said. “Whether it’s getting ready for a spring garden or just improving the health of lawn and landscape, compost is an easy and inexpensive amendment, plus it’s safe to use and is beneficial for the environment.”

Richards said Cathy Wood, a Travis County Master Gardener and compost specialist, will show attendees how to build an effective compost pile and use its contents as an aid to increase water retention in different soils.